Last Name Dufetelle

The surname Dufetelle is a French patronymic name derived from the given name Féry (Ferré). The original bearer was likely named Féry and lived during the Middle Ages. Patronymic names are formed with the addition of a son's given name as a suffix to his father's name, indicating that the son is related to or descended from the father. In this case, Dufetelle would have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was named after Féry, and over time it became a surname. This name is most common in northern France, particularly in the region of Picardy.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dufetelle

The meaning and origin of the last name Dufetelle

The surname Dufetelle is of French origin, derived from a place name or a nickname. It is believed to have originated from a region called Fétel or Féтель, located in the Calvados department in northern France. Over time, variations of this name such as Dufetal, Dufetellis, and Dufetaille emerged due to differences in spelling and phonetic interpretations during migration and transcription processes. The "-le" ending is a common French suffix indicating a place of origin or residence. This surname may have also been an occupational name for someone who worked at a mill located in the town of Fétel, derived from the Old French term "moulin", meaning mill, combined with the locative suffix "-et-".

Geographical distribution of the last name Dufetelle

The surname Dufetelle has its roots primarily in France, with a significant concentration in the northern region, particularly around the Pas-de-Calais department. According to various genealogical databases, the name is also present in other parts of France such as Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. A small number of individuals bearing the Dufetelle surname can also be found in Quebec, Canada, indicating potential French colonial migration to New France in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the United States, there are records of Dufetelles primarily in Louisiana and a few scattered cases across other states, potentially due to further migration from Quebec or French colonial influence. Overall, the Dufetelle surname has a predominantly French heritage, with notable concentrations in France and French-speaking areas like Quebec and Louisiana.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dufetelle

The surname Dufetelle has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Some of these variations include Du Fetel, Du Fétel, Du Fételle, Dufétel, Dufételle, Du Feuillet, Du Feulette, and Dufeuillet. These variations may arise from slight phonetic alterations or errors during the recording process, or regional dialects and spelling conventions. It's essential to note that while these variations share a common root, they might lead to different family histories being traced due to their distinct records in genealogical databases.

Famous people with the last name Dufetelle

Notable individuals bearing the surname Dufetelle include:

1. Jean-Baptiste Dufetelle (1798-1863), a French composer and pianist known for his contributions to operetta, ballet, and sacred music during the Romantic period. His most famous works include "La Fille du Danube" and "La Belle Pascagoula."
2. Pierre Dufetel (born 1954), a Canadian engineer and businessman who served as President and CEO of Bombardier Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of transportation equipment, from 2004 to 2015.
3. Charles-Marie Dufetel (1784-1875), a French physician and scientist who is best known for his contributions to ophthalmology, including the development of the Dufetel lens, a type of contact lens used for refractive errors. He also made significant contributions in the field of neurology, particularly in the study of cerebral localization.
4. Jacques-Nicolas Dufetel (1763-1845), a French military officer who served as Governor of Haiti from 1802 to 1803 during the early years of its independence from France. He is also known for his involvement in the Napoleonic Wars, serving under Napoleon Bonaparte and participating in several major battles.

Genealogical research on the last name Dufetelle

The surname Dufetelle originates from France and is primarily found in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Historical records indicate that the name emerged during the Middle Ages, with early variants such as Du Fétel and Du Fétèle appearing in documents dating back to the 13th century. The name likely derives from a local place or estate, with "du" indicating nobility and "fételle" potentially referring to a fern marsh. Notable figures bearing the name include Jean-Baptiste Dufetelle, a prominent Huguenot who emigrated to South America in the 17th century, and Pierre Dufetelle, a French painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Dufetelles are believed to have spread to other parts of France and eventually to other countries through immigration waves, creating a wide dispersal of the name across the globe today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "dufetelle"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 26 July 2025

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